We’re really trying to put together a world-class manufacturing team. We’re trying to create a Spartan army of expertise.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk give Automotive News [sub] his most inspirational metaphor for Tesla’s effort to ready production of its $50k Model S sedan. And though Musk is quick to call outsourced production “wishful thinking,” the vehicle’s transmission and battery cells as well as “wiring harnesses, skeletal mechanisms for the seats, and glass for the windows” will be supplied by outside firms. Musk says that sourcing for 80 percent of the Model S’s components has been narrowed down to one or two companies, and a plant location in Southern California will be announced shortly. But, he notes, the factory deal isn’t done yet. Or, as Musk puts it:

It hasn’t yet been finalized. We’ve almost fully negotiated the deal, but it has not been signed yet

11 Comments on “Quote Of The Day: Madness? This Is Tesla! Edition...”

I am eager to see the Model S, whose Maserati good looks will make the $40k Volt appear pedestrian.

I work in manufacturing. While in-sourcing everything is romantic and somewhat defendable, outsourcing components and labor that are not your core compentency is what helps companies move forward. We can’t all be frontiersmen anymore.

Vaporware – their finances are a train wreck. I’ll be surprised if the S ever ends up in the hands of customers. By the time they come to market Ford, Toyota, GM, Nissan, and Fiat will all have ICEs or pure electrics on the market, all at a lower price point. Agree with twotone – get payment up front.

This guy and Fisker should car pool. I keep thinking of North Haverbrook whenever I see an article about either. Ironically, I think it is actually easier to build and launch a vehicle to space than it is to start a car company from scratch. Cars are so heavily regulated, this will only equalize when everyone has a vehicle that can go to space, right? Tucker MkII